Post by MizzouTiger on Dec 5, 2007 1:02:28 GMT -5
www.kansascity.com/sports/colleges/story/385866.html
Bearcats rush to semifinals
The Kansas City Star
For the third straight season, Northwest Missouri State will be in the NCAA Division II football semifinals.
Behind a big day from running back Xavier Omon, the Bearcats defeated Chadron State (Neb.) 26-13 in the Southwest Regional Final on Saturday in Chadron, Neb.
Omon ran for 309 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries in leading the Bearcats, 11-1, to a semifinal matchup with Grand Valley State (Mich.). The Bearcats will play host to Grand Valley State at 8 p.m. Saturday at Bearcat Field. The game will be televised on either ESPN2 or ESPNU.
The last two seasons, Northwest Missouri and Grand Valley have met in the Division II playoffs. Grand Valley has won both games.
Behind 204 yards from Omon in the first half, Northwest Missouri jumped out to a 19-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Bearcats scored on the second play of the game when Omon reached the end zone on a 34-yard run. Omon also scored on runs of 3 and 4 yards. His 309 yards broke a school record that has stood for more than 30 years. It was the fourth time this season that Omon has surpassed 200 yards rushing.
“It got to me in the fourth quarter the effort that kid put on the field today,” Northwest Missouri coach Mel Tjeerdsma said of Omon’s performance. “I mean it was amazing, it was just absolutely amazing.”
While the Bearcats offense was solid on the ground, Northwest Missouri’s defense had just as big of a day.
Northwest Missouri held Chadron State running back Danny Woodhead to 91 yards on 21 carries. He had just 10 yards on his first 10 carries. Woodhead was the 2006 winner of the Harlon Hill Award, given to Division II’s top player each year.
Northwest Missouri’s defense also forced five turnovers. Twice the Bearcats intercepted passes after Chadron State had drove inside the Northwest Missouri 25.
The Bearcats led 26-7 until Chadron State, 12-1, scored in the final 2 minutes of the game.
Bearcats rush to semifinals
The Kansas City Star
For the third straight season, Northwest Missouri State will be in the NCAA Division II football semifinals.
Behind a big day from running back Xavier Omon, the Bearcats defeated Chadron State (Neb.) 26-13 in the Southwest Regional Final on Saturday in Chadron, Neb.
Omon ran for 309 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries in leading the Bearcats, 11-1, to a semifinal matchup with Grand Valley State (Mich.). The Bearcats will play host to Grand Valley State at 8 p.m. Saturday at Bearcat Field. The game will be televised on either ESPN2 or ESPNU.
The last two seasons, Northwest Missouri and Grand Valley have met in the Division II playoffs. Grand Valley has won both games.
Behind 204 yards from Omon in the first half, Northwest Missouri jumped out to a 19-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Bearcats scored on the second play of the game when Omon reached the end zone on a 34-yard run. Omon also scored on runs of 3 and 4 yards. His 309 yards broke a school record that has stood for more than 30 years. It was the fourth time this season that Omon has surpassed 200 yards rushing.
“It got to me in the fourth quarter the effort that kid put on the field today,” Northwest Missouri coach Mel Tjeerdsma said of Omon’s performance. “I mean it was amazing, it was just absolutely amazing.”
While the Bearcats offense was solid on the ground, Northwest Missouri’s defense had just as big of a day.
Northwest Missouri held Chadron State running back Danny Woodhead to 91 yards on 21 carries. He had just 10 yards on his first 10 carries. Woodhead was the 2006 winner of the Harlon Hill Award, given to Division II’s top player each year.
Northwest Missouri’s defense also forced five turnovers. Twice the Bearcats intercepted passes after Chadron State had drove inside the Northwest Missouri 25.
The Bearcats led 26-7 until Chadron State, 12-1, scored in the final 2 minutes of the game.